Law and Mental Health: Enhancing Cultural Responsiveness in Forensic Mental Health Assessment:

Law and Mental Health: Enhancing Cultural Responsiveness in Forensic Mental Health Assessment: Practical Strategies for Evaluators -Mina Ratkalkar, Ph.D.

Dr. Mina Ratkalkar is a forensic psychologist in Durham, North Carolina and consultant on culturally responsive practices for attorneys and clinicians. Dr. Ratkalkar is also a Certified Sex Therapist (CST) who specializes in evaluations involving consent, sexual behavior, and neurodiversity. She is passionate about collaboration between researchers and practitioners to better serve justice-involved people and courts. Dr. Ratkalkar earned her Ph.D. in forensic psychology from Drexel University, M.S. in criminology and criminal justice from Florida Atlantic University, M.S. in social work from
Columbia University, and B.S. in clinical psychology and community health from Tufts University. Dr. Ratkalkar is a licensed psychologist, licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical supervisor.

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the principles of cultural responsiveness and their significance in forensic mental health assessments.
2. Describe practical strategies and techniques for conducting and writing culturally responsive forensic mental health assessments, including selecting and adapting assessment approaches across cultural contexts.
3. Assess potential cultural bias in forensic assessments and implement strategies to mitigate these biases.

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